I learned more details pertaining to the core elements of active learning. "The core elements of active learning activities are that students must read, write, discuss, reflect or be engaged in problem solving. There is an abundance of innovative strategies which can work in small and large group projects or individual activities."
Though every learning environment has three elements (instructor/facilitator, student, and content), active learning brings students and their learning "center stage." In an active learning environment, there is no "sage on the stage." Instead, the students and their learning are most important, and the students are "actively involved in knowledge acquisition." As online instructors, we have the opportunity to challenge, assist, and guide our students on their educational journeys. It can be "fun" and rewarding for all involved.
Active learners take an active role in their education. It requires the use of critical thinking skills and allows them to actively engage in learning activities rather than being passive learners, This method allows different types of learners to utilize the study skills that best fit them in order to be more effective.
Active learning requires the instructor to do more than just read a lecture. It also requires more active participation from students.
An active learner needs to be able to write, discuss, read and reflect to engaged in problem solving. An active learner also needs to be able to be responsible and accountable in their own learning. As instructors, we need to be able to make more of an effect to make it more "fun" for the students so that they can be an active learner.
While I am already aware of the benefits of active learning, I struggle to bring these techniques into my classroom. My courses occur in the first 10 weeks of an accellerated program where many students are back in school for the first time since high school. They have a lot of catching up to do when it comes to writing, comprehension, the college environment, and math skills. There is a very real fear that changing techniques could lead to students missing something absolutely essential that the current techniques have been satisfactorily teaching. I am also in my first year teaching in the program, so I am not sure my skills are advanced enough yet to make a big leap into all active learning. So I have been choosing to incorporate a little bit here, a little bit there and know that even these small changes are a positive trend toward active learning. It builds my confidence in using these techniques that are new to me, and it should allay my fears that my students will miss out as assessment shows that they are learning those necessary items.
A couple of elements I appreciate in the online environment is the learners must be active in their own journey. One has to develop motivation and self discipline. As instructors, we can help nurture these attributes. Self reflection is often part of this online active learning environment as well. Students often feel pride for when they learn and complete assignments while learning objectives. If one falls short of expectations, the instructor as well as peers, can help each other grow. "Directed self-learning (DSL) is an active learning approach where the learners are provided with predefined learning objectives and some facilitation through the learning process in the form of guidance and supervision. It can help establish a strong foundation for autonomous and deep learning" (Yusaf, 2023, p. 1).
Reference
Ysaf, A et. a., 2023, The positive impact of introducing modified directed self-learning using pre–small group discussion worksheets as an active learning strategy in undergraduate medical education, Medical Education Online
It is interesting to note that student-centered learning is being driven more and more because of the online learning environment. My full-time job is at a community college and, we have been really trying to get away from the "sage on the stage" type of teaching to more active learning.
I do like how the learning environment was broken down into three components. It makes this something to be aware of when trying to effectively reach the students.
Active learning is a movement away from the traditional "sage on the stage". Instead, students will participate in the learning process through various approaches: reflection, discussion, dyad/triad projects, etc. The instructor facilitates learning by gently guiding students through and to the important material.
As an instructor, our role in active learning is to guide our students and provide them the resources they need to thrive.
My take away was active learning can be done in different ways, just not in lectures. Engage students to think, discuss, investigate etc:
Engaging students in the learning process is crucial to maintaining their interest. Teachers should be available to guide students throughout their journey.
Students need to be responsible for their own learning. And as such, they should think about how they best learn new material. Once they figure that out, engage in activities or whatever strategies they think strengthens and promotes their learning. They should challenge themselves to become stronger students and not rely so much on the instructor to tell them what they need to know or learn!
That lectures don't really help in learning. Instructors need to be more creative in the teaching techniques.
Comment on Eileen Epsaro's post:
Students should take resposibility for their own learing and improving their knowledge base. As educators, we can share our experiences, create assignments for students to work as a group and encourage individual learning techniques.
I love active learning and this course has given me a broader view of what is considered active learning. I think that working with the material during class, helps students learn what they don't know. Sometimes a student doesn't know what they don't know. I think it is engaging and helps steer their study time. I like learning in a community. If a student is stuck during class, they can ask me or another student for help with the activity. They can learn from each other.
I learned with active learning that it is no longer the instructor giving a lecture and the student listening and taking notes. Active learning means involving the student and getting them to lead their learning. Good methods of active learning are games, break out groups, group projects, etc.
The thing that stands out to me in active learning is the importance of a student-centered approach. I love the idea of guiding students and making the course more focused on positive communication.
With active learning, students play an integral part in the learning process because they are responsible for their education. With active learning, students "do" and be actively involved which helps them "learn". I intend to provide students with opportunities to apply the content learnt by assigning case studies and presentations on topics of interest.
Active learning changes the role of the instructor from sage on the stage to guide on the side. It may take students and instructors time to adjust to their new roles. Students need to be more involved and engaged in the classroom. They can't just sit and zone out. Instructors need to disengage, allowing students to participate in their learning process.
